Ivy was looking out the window when Gareta entered with a tray of Ivy's lunch.
"Miss Ivy, your lunch is ready."

"I'm not hungry yet, Gareta."

"But, Miss Ivy, you need to eat. The healthcare expert is coming soon with the healing witch they've found."

Ivy furrowed her brows, puzzled by Gareta's words. She turned around and looked at Gareta.
"Why? I'm already healed."

"That's according to you, Miss Ivy. According to Young Master Race, it's not like that," Gareta said, placing the tray on the table.

"Race? Is he here?" Ivy asked again.

"No, Miss Ivy. I heard he went west," Gareta answered, starting to arrange the food on the table.

"Why?"
Ivy walked closer to Gareta, causing him to look at her now.

"It seems to be about the ruby stone shipments. I heard it from Miranda. Your parents are helping Young Master Race's parents' business with the ruby stone sales in the east."

Gareta explained at length while Ivy smiled thinly and sadly at the story.
"Finally, he's using this leverage," Ivy whispered.

"Leverage? What do you mean, Miss Ivy?"

Ivy looked at Gareta and then smiled again, shaking her head. "It's nothing."

Ivy then chose to sit in a chair and gazed at all the food Gareta had prepared.
"Gareta," Ivy called again.

"Yes, Miss Ivy?"

"Can I just eat the fruits? I really don't want to eat right now, but I need to stay healthy so I can still be useful here," Ivy said.

"Miss Ivy? Why are you saying that?"

Ivy looked up and glanced at Gareta.
"Isn't it that I can't live comfortably here for free?" Ivy said again, confusing Gareta even more.
***
Race had just left the room that his in-laws had mentioned earlier, which Ivy used to stay in. Once again, he had a nightmare about Ivy. He didn't even want to go back to sleep because he didn't want to witness the unfortunate fate that might befall his wife.

"Are you awake?" Winter asked, sipping tea by the window in the living room.

"Were you awake all this time?" Race countered with a question.

"Well, I've been sipping my tea for a while."

"Great, seems like you're enjoying this place."

Race sat in a chair beside Winter, looked out the window, and sighed.

"Why?" Winter asked, feeling puzzled by Race's sigh.

"I want to go back to the east as soon as possible," Race replied.

"Why?"

"Today, Ivy will meet the healing witch that the healthcare expert found. Isn't it strange if I, her husband, don't accompany her?"

"But the ruby stones were just sent from the east today. If we don't ensure everything goes smoothly with the first shipment, I'm afraid your in-laws might not want to cooperate anymore."

"You're right."

"Then forget about Ivy for a moment! Besides, you never cared about Ivy before," Winter reminded Race of his attitude toward Ivy.

Race looked at Winter. Of course, he couldn't deny it now. What Winter said was true.

"We have to succeed this time, Race. That way, we can increase our assets and the finances of the eastern region. Let's use Ivy as a tool just this once. After all, Ivy's parents agreed too, as they'll gain quite a substantial profit," Winter reassured Race.

Race didn't reply. He just looked at Winter and then nodded in agreement.

In another room, Mr. Marionet and Mrs. Liana counted all the profits they would gain from supplying ruby stones from the east.
"Look at this! Our profits will be this much," Mr. Marionet said, showing his prepared financial report.

"You're right, dear. Ivy is indeed useful for us," Mrs. Liana said with joy.

"Clearly she is. They're also using Ivy's name to gain our approval. Once those valuable stones are shipped, they'll return to the east. We should raise the price of ruby stones to gain even more profit," Mr. Marionet remarked.

"Is that possible?"

"Of course, once the goods arrive here. Isn't that our prerogative?"

Mr. Marionet and Mrs. Liana exchanged glances. They certainly wanted to avoid incurring losses by purchasing ruby stones at a high price. They planned to sell the ruby stones at a higher price than Race and Winter were aware of.
***
Ivy was undergoing treatment from the healing witch. Ivy's hand was being held by the beautiful witch from the south. Ivy remained silent as the witch, named Tesla, opened her eyes, which had been closed until now, and looked at Ivy incredulously. On the other hand, Ivy smiled as she was observed by Tesla.

"Doha, the healthcare expert," Ivy called.

"Yes, Miss Ivy?"

"Can you step out for a moment? It seems Miss Tesla wants to treat me privately," Ivy said, still gazing at the beautiful witch named Tesla.

"Alright, Miss Ivy, I'll excuse myself."

After Doha left Ivy's room, Ivy now pulled her hand away and lowered the sleeve of her blouse that Tesla had lifted to begin the healing process.

"Miss Ivy, are you also a witch? I can see a lot of positive energy aura within you. Furthermore, are you also a fortune teller?" Tesla asked, finally giving in to her curiosity.

Ivy smiled and nodded in affirmation.
"Miss Ivy, this place is dangerous for you. If anyone finds out who you are, you could be expelled, or worse, executed here. People in the east don't like witches. I'm also quite puzzled why the healthcare expert invited me here to perform the healing."

Tesla sounded genuinely worried. Ivy smiled and let out a sigh.
"I won't be expelled from here, Tesla. As long as no one knows who I truly am except for my husband and the crown prince."

"So they both know? Then how come you're still staying here?"

"I don't know, maybe because I'm a captive and somewhat useful. So, they let me stay."

Ivy chuckled softly after speaking like that. Tesla looked at Ivy with a sympathetic expression. Tesla could see the sadness on Ivy's face beneath the smile.

A moment later, Ivy looked at Tesla and gently held Tesla's hand.
"Would you be willing to keep the truth about who I really am a secret?" Ivy asked.

Tesla fell silent for a moment, appearing to be deep in thought. Then she nodded firmly and tightened her grip on Ivy's hand.
"Of course, Miss Ivy."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome. Now let's continue with this treatment. The positive energy aura within you is quite scattered. This could actually endanger you if not dealt with promptly. For the time being, don't use this energy. Just use the energies that are less harmful to you, Miss Ivy."

"But if I use those energies, I'll feel weak afterward."

"It's alright, that can be quickly remedied. You just need to receive the energy from the embrace of your partner. Isn't that very easy?"

Ivy remained silent and didn't respond to Tesla's statement. She smiled wryly and nodded her head.
"In fact, it will be very difficult for me to obtain that energy," Ivy thought, looking at Tesla.
***